[NTLUG:Discuss] NTLUG workshops

[Chris Cox]

On 03/21/2011 04:28 AM, Ralph Green wrote:
> Howdy,
>   One of our members(CoryC) made a suggestion at the last meeting that
> we have some workshops.  The idea is to have more of a hands on
> participation than our regular meetings.  The workshops would be longer
> than the regular meeting.  There are a number of options on how we would
> do these and I am soliciting your feedback as to whether there is
> interest and how we should do these.

I think the idea of a workshop is a good one.  If it were possible, a multi-day
workshop would be really great as well.

> 
>  One option would be to hold these at the same location as out current
> meetings, but do them in another room.  We could use the install room
> starting at 11 AM, or ask NTPCUG if another room were available to start
> earlier.  We can keep the rooms longer than we do now.  We need to be
> out the door by 2 PM, per the contract we have with the church.

Well... 11am - 2pm is probably not all that great... but it's something.  Could
be difficult time wise.

> 
>   Another option would be to replace some of our regular meetings with
> these workshops.  We might, for example, have a quarterly or semi-annual
> workshop instead of a regular meeting.

I kind of like this one better.  This way we could have it start at whenever,
9am? etc... if need be (for longer "class" style workshop).

> 
>  Another option is to find some other location and time to hold these
> workshops.  If you like this option, then please suggest where and when.
> 
>  Tell us what you think and how you think we might do something like
> this.  We have other workshop idea, but really the workshops we might
> hold would depend on who is willing to do the work to organize them.
> Step forward if you want to do one and once we decide on our schedule,
> we will see where to schedule your workshop.
> 
>  To get us started, CoryC would like to organize a workshop on setting
> up VMWare esxi.  He would bring a couple of computers that could do the

I think that would be AWESOME!  (and others should consider doing one on Xen and
KVM, etc... good stuff for sure)

> install.  People would be encouraged to bring their own computers along
> with the prerequisites.  For esxi, you would need the install CD, the

ESXi 4, as others have mentioned is VERY VERY VERY VERY hardware specific (Xen
and kvm are much much much much less so).  Would Cory be willing to do one on
Xen or kvm (not RHEV-H though)?

However, a truly "enterprising" idea would be to test/spec an AVAILABLE piece of
hardware (or more than one)... so that attendees could also obtain a requisite
box for the ESXi "class".  The VMware community whitebox/other HCL isn't always
the most up to date.  Nice to know what already made machines will handle ESXi
well (just remember that VMware HAS been known to make the next
UPDATE... yes... UPDATE... not work when not using official HCL equipment, which
means the community HCL isn't normally recommended for serious stuff).

Of course, a class/workshop on the ins and outs of Virtual Box... could also be
nice.  There's a lot to that one.. and it's pretty hardware friendly.


> server machine with a clean hard drive, since the esxi install wipes out
> everything and a Windows computer to install the management client on.
> More detailed instruction will follow before the workshop, but I just
> wanted to give you an idea of what is needed.  CoryC has not committed
> to hold this workshop yet, so let him know if you like the idea.

Love the idea overall... like the idea of "workshops"... prefer the idea of a
special workshops maybe 3 or 4 times a year in place of the regular meeting...
or somebody suggesting a different location (that always seems to leave us
"wanting" though).

Good stuff... let's at least give this thing a go "somehow" even if we're not
too sure about how to make this a "regular" thing.

I'll admit... ESXi... might be one of the toughest ones to do for successful in
class installs.  ESXi 3.5 works better... apparently it's still available.  Not
saying it will work well either... just better chance with more hardware (just
not with the very very latest hardware).